Cardiff Three Peaks Challenge

Tongwynlais Tollhouse

(ST131816 at your first right turn):

The tollhouse was built in the early 18th century at the busy junction of tramroads and the canal wharf. Derelict from the mid 20th century, the walls have been restored as part of a community project. A reminder of South Wales’ place at the heart of the industrial revolution.

Walnut Tree Viaduct pier

(ST126828 off the A470)

A part of the brick and steel girder viaduct built in 1901 for the Barry Railway, increasing coal export capacity. The pier is one of the only surviving sections following the viaduct’s demolition in the late 1960s and bears messages from Queen Elizabeth II’s Jubilee celebrations.

Lan (Llan) Colliery

(ST117833)

The mine supplied coal to the nearby Pentyrch Ironworks. 16 men and boys lost their lives in a gas explosion in the mine in December 1875 and the site in the woods above Taff’s WelL serves as a memorial to the victims and a reminder of the human cost of industrial progress.

Garth Hill burial mounds

(ST103834)

The trig point marking the summit of the Garth at 307 metres above sea level stands on one of four tumuli or Bronze age burial mounds on the hill. These date back to about 2000 BC and their position on the ridge makes them significant landmarks now and in the past. Erroneous stories about the highest burial mound inspired the film The Englishman Who Went up a Hill but Came Down a Mountain.

If conditions are favourable, there are stunning views to the north all the way to Pen y Fan in Bannau Brycheiniog, the highest point in southern Britain

Taff’s Well thermal spring

(ST119836)

Just off the route after you cross the river Taff and enter Taff’s Well is the only thermal spring in Wales. The spring was believed to have healing powers, and a modest bath house gained much popularity in the 19th century, though subsequently fell into disuse.

Craig yr Allt

(ST133850)

In good weather there are expansive views across from Caerphilly to the north and Cardiff to the south. See if you can spot the Principality Stadium in the city centre! Out in the Bristol Channel are the islands of Steep Holm and Flat Holm, the latter the point to which Marconi sent the first radio transmission over the sea in 1897, from Lavernock Point.

Castell Coch

(ST130826):

Though famous for its fairy-tale Gothic Revival castle built for the Marquis of Bute in the late 19th century, it’s not surprising given its commanding position above Cardiff and controlling the Taff valley that this was the site of previous castles from the Normal Conquest and 14th century Welsh Revolts. The castle is well worth a visit – when you’re not on the final stages of the Cardiff Three Peaks Challenge.